Before summer gives way to a new school year, we want to pause and celebrate what God has done through Family Ministry over the past couple of months. From preschoolers discovering God’s creation to students diving deeply into God’s word, this has been a summer marked by joyful worship, growing faith, and a community committed to investing in the next generation.
From June 8–12, Vacation Bible School transformed our campus into a rainforest filled with laughter, songs, scripture, and the excitement of hundreds of children discovering God’s word together. Behind every game, Bible lesson, craft, and small group were more adult and teen volunteers than ever, whose faithful service was evidence of the grace of God at work.
One moment captured the spirit of the week better than any other. Throughout VBS, whenever Canon Travis Wilson called out, “God’s creation,” hundreds of children immediately stretched their arms wide into a giant circle and joyfully shouted back, “Wow, God!” It became more than a fun activity—it was a reminder that every child was learning to see God’s handiwork with wonder and gratitude.
As Canon Travis reflected afterward, “If your child came home singing, asking questions, or talking about their Bible story, that is the Holy Spirit at work. To God be the glory.”
That same theme of growth continued at Summer Camp on Lake Texoma, where our largest group to date of students, volunteers, and staff spent a week worshiping, studying Acts, and building friendships centered on Christ. Under the theme Don’t Stop Believing, students encountered God’s word in meaningful ways while enjoying a week of adventure and community.
The work of discipleship didn’t end when campers came home. Throughout the summer, middle and high school students have been gathering each Monday to study scripture together, continuing to build the habits of opening God’s word, asking good questions, and encouraging one another in faith. It has been a joy to watch our students not only engage with scripture but genuinely delight in it, growing in confidence as they learn to read and apply God’s word for themselves.
Some of the most memorable moments happened in unexpected places. Four camp lifeguards began attending worship during the week and came forward to receive a blessing—a powerful reminder that God often works beyond the plans we make. Students also shared how the week strengthened their faith, with one expressing excitement about learning to read scripture independently and another giving thanks for the friendships they gained.
Taken together, VBS, Summer Camp, and our weekly Bible studies tell one story: God is faithfully forming the next generation. Through the prayers, generosity, and service of hundreds of volunteers, children and students encountered the love of Jesus, grew in confidence in God’s word, and experienced the beauty of belonging to his church.
We are deeply grateful to every family who entrusted their children to us, every volunteer who gave their time and energy, and everyone who prayed for these ministries. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue building on what God has begun this summer. Our Monday youth Bible studies will relaunch, and our regular Wednesday evening ministries—Explorers (Kindergarten–Grade 1), Discovery (Grades 2–3), GAP45 (Grades 4–5), along with our middle and high school gatherings—will resume with the start of the new school year. The seeds planted this summer will continue to bear fruit for years to come, and we look forward with great anticipation to all God will do in the year ahead.
